sammydragon3

mmmk thats bull**** then

u expect me to believe your lower and/or upper balljoints would last 230k miles?

when i had mine replaced at 55k miles then at 85k miles

Lgraz5

Had some front end work done around 125k but don't recall that it was ball joints. Believe what you like, answering troll questions is boring anyway.

Javvy

May be if he is not dropped or is still on the original rims and tire sizes and lives in a region which has good roads or most of his driving has been on highways with really good quality roads, it is possible to have not to replace the front control arms , ball joints etc......control arm failure and front suspension parts failure is so much depended of what mods are done and what has been the driving style and how the road conditions have been......

just my 2cents...

javvy

Lgraz5

FWIW, about 80 - 90 0/0 have been highway miles. Original rims and same size tires. No mods. Brakes replaced 3 or 4 times. Cat replaced around 140k. Thermostat also replaced around 100k. Rear wiring harness replaced around 200k. All service, maintenance and recalls done at dealership as per MB guidelines. Despite what some have said I have been good to this car and it has been good to me.

TexFinn

If this is the case, I'm pretty sure the plugs should have been changed at least once, then.

Lgraz5

They weren't. I declined that service based on a discussion of performance and MPG. I am at a loss as to why people don't believe me. Why would anyone claim things that aren't true?

phister

I just dont see how a discussion of performance and mpg told you not to. eventually spark plugs electrodes wear out and it takes more voltage to jump the gap to ignite the fuel mixture which in turns increases exhaust emissions which will cause your car to do small misfires. You car stores all these little misfires until eventually it will throw a CEL and the car will rough (which you did experience if I remember correctly from the first post). This was probably caused by all the desposits on the spark plugs building up from the mini misfires. The techron probably cleaned enough for voltage to jump the gap without any deposits blocking it. eventually it'll get clogged again and you'll have to replace the plugs because it'll cause a big enough misfire or the electrode will be so worn out you wont be able to get the voltage to jump the gap. for all you know you could be getting even better gas mileage with new plugs instead of declining the service.

TexFinn

No offense, but that advice is just plain stupid and shame on you for following that advice.

If you seriously think the 10 year old plugs with 230K miles on them perform their duties as well as newer ones, then I am also at a loss.

If nothing else, please at least listen to Glyn. That guy seriously knows what the hell he is talking about. Phister definitely knows a thing or two, too.

Lgraz5

Jesus! I ask for comments on the efficacy of Techron and I wind up getting ripped for the way I maintain my car and get called "stupid" and accused of bull-****ting besides. I'm done being insulted by "experts" with over-modded, pimped-out rides and bad manners. What a bunch of jerks! In any case, the important number is 231,140 and counting. When you get close, let me know.

Moviela

Techron is an Amine additive (Polybutene Amine and/or Polyether Amine if I remember) that is a pretty good solvent for the undesirable combustion byproducts. It is not without controversy. It is a patented molecule and Chevron Texaco owns it. They must have tinkered with it to get new patents because 40 years ago they were selling it as F310 and made television commercials that were misleading. I remember shooting Astronaut Scott Carpenter selling F310 in front of the "Chevron Research Center", but the building was Palm Springs City Hall. In another spot there was a car in a clear plastic tent and before F310 the tent was full of black smoke. "After just 6 tankfulls" of F310 the Chevy was clearly seen in the tent. Of course it was clear, the car was not running.

VVF

BTW guys, Advance Auto has 20oz bottles for $6.50 online (haven't checked in the store yet)
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...vron_7080568-p
Looks like a nice deal since the 12oz ones are $7.84 or something.

grane

I think Glyn said it properly. You were a bit harsh, sir. Use honey rather than vitriol.

I'm sure that the enquirer will consider a spark plug and wire change as well as using Techron regularly.

phister

I doubt he'll consider plugs and new coil pack.

I'm pretty sure my statement isnt that harsh compared to the others calling him "stupid" and saying he's lying about having 230k miles.

Lgraz5

Phister,
Your statement isn't as harsh as it is ignorant and uninformed. I got this a while back. Ever see one?

TexFinn

Cry me a friggin river. Like I said, the advice/decision was stupid. Never called YOU stupid.

Never questioned your mileage. You have 230K miles on your W203? Good for you! Want a cookie now?

Lgraz5

Don't get your nose out of joint, Tex. It's just that I am tired of snotty know-it-alls who only know how to rip people and who aren't particularly skilled at it, either. Why be so offended, if that's not you?

Glyn M Ruck

Movie, Techron started life as a straight Polybutene Amine system that has been considerably enhanced over time. It is still unsurpassed in the industry with the closest competitor product being from BP. It is not controversial. It cleans injectors, PCV systems, inlet systems where it can get, cleans up & keeps valve tulips spotless & reduces combustion chamber deposits, proven in impeccable laboratory conditions. I have previously posted pictures that are genuine. It works best in stop start frequent heat soak cycles. It is licensed to one other well known German company outside the Chevron/Texaco/Caltex empire. It is the only Benz approved product for this purpose.

I will demonstrate to you any time you wish that the captured unburned hydrocarbons from the tailpipe of a fouled Opel or other modern engine will run a lawnmower or small scooter engine at idle. Post cleanup this is not possible.

Global advertising standards authorities have upheld this under severe scrutiny from competitors.

I have no idea what ad you are referring to.

Johnsct

I am surprised at all the strange comments. I sold my 2003, C230 about 1 1/2 years ago at 170,000 miles. I did have to replace the lower control arms, but that was because I was run into a curb by someone exiting a Taco Bell. That was at 130,000. Suspension was fine till then. The only thing replaced other than regular maintenance was a thermostat at 130,000. It was running great when I sold it (got a good deal on an SLK).

acr2001

230k with the same plugs. Wow. Change em!

krazzdav

Hi Lgraz5! Honestly I am surprised that the cleaner worked if your car was running that bad. Usually if something is foweled up bad enough to cause your car to run that bad just a gas tank cleaner isn't strong enough to clean whatever the problem is. Your symptoms definitely can be caused from what the cleaner is supposed to clean so hope the best for you.

On the other notes congrats on so many miles! My V6 is only about 120000 miles....but I live on an island and can't make a 500 mile trip without putting it on a boat.

As for your spark plugs I would definitely recommend replacing them. Just because they didn't 100% fail yet does not mean that they aren't worn or causing minor efficiency problems. There are electrodes that do wear over time which is why there is a recommended replacement interval. This is just preventative maintenance like an oil change. If and when you do replace them I would recommend getting Iridium plugs.

One other thing I would recommend if it hasn't been done is replace the fuel filter and clean the MAF. This is more preventative maintenance to keep your mpg up and not stranded.

Khan28

You might want to do a tune up. The "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" line only applies to things that actually last the test of time (like art and design) and spark plugs don't fall under that category. I've never heard of a battery, let alone an MB battery, lasting a decade even in warm weather climates so I'm not sure you're being honest. You might have 230k miles on it but it probably doesn't drive all that well based on how you say you maintain your car. If you're getting 30+MPG then it will improve with new plugs.

Blackbradpitt

I just wanna know where you are driving? Because highway roads so good, that you can ride the same ball joints for 230k+ miles sounds almost magical. lol. It can't be in the U.S., because most places here are lucky to have a 10 mile stretch of good highway.